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Mauritania Visa for United States Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

US citizens need an e-Visa for Mauritania, applied for online before travel or obtainable on arrival at Nouakchott airport in practice, with a standard 30-day validity.

Guide last updated October 2, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
  • Digital passport photo for the online application
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking)
  • Confirmed round-trip flight itinerary
  • Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement or credit card record)
  • No biometrics collected online; fingerprints may be taken on arrival at the airport
  • Travel health insurance recommended; yellow fever vaccination certificate required

Visa types

  • Tourist e-Visa - single entry, valid 30 days from arrival, approximate fee USD 120-160.
  • Business e-Visa - single entry, valid 30 days, requires an invitation letter, approximate fee USD 160.
  • Multiple-entry visas are available only through the Mauritanian Embassy for longer-term business travelers.

How to apply online

  • Apply through the Mauritanian government e-Visa portal or relevant consular channel (reference https://www.mauritania.mr/ for current procedures, as the online system has periodically changed).
  • Steps: create an account, upload passport scan and photo, enter travel details, pay the fee online by credit card.
  • Fee: approximately USD 120-160 payable in USD or local currency equivalent.
  • Processing time: 3-7 working days for online pre-approval; many travelers also complete payment and stamping on arrival at Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport.
  • Approval arrives as an email confirmation/printable authorization to present at the airport, where the physical visa sticker is affixed on arrival.

Fees & processing time

  • e-Visa fee: approximately USD 120-160 depending on visa type and entry point.
  • No separate VFS/BLS service fee; payment is made directly through the government portal or on arrival.
  • Total cost estimate: USD 130-170 including incidental processing charges.
  • Standard processing time: 3-7 working days online; same-day issuance is common for on-arrival processing.
  • No formal express service is advertised, though airport processing is effectively expedited.

Tips for United States travelers

  • Apply at least 1-2 weeks before travel to allow for online processing delays, even though on-arrival stamping is common practice.
  • Common rejection reasons: missing yellow fever certificate, blurry passport scan, or incomplete accommodation details.
  • There is no VFS/BLS outsourcing; all processing is via the government portal or airport immigration directly.
  • Review current US State Department travel advisories, as Mauritania has faced periodic security concerns in border regions.
  • Extensions are handled through the Direction Generale de la Surete Nationale in Nouakchott after arrival.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.